Rayon fabric is a class of synthetic fabrics made from the cellulose extract of wood pulp. Clothing and household fabrics made from rayon will look and feel similar to cotton. However, rayon is brittle when wet and has a tendency to shrivel. In addition, the color of rayon fabrics can also fade easily, and will be very wrinkled after washing. Care of rayon fabric requires special attention. However, if you know your fabric needs beforehand, you can maintain both its strength and appearance for a while.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Washing Rayon Fabric
Step 1. Read clothing labels before buying
Many rayon garments can only be hand washed or dry washed. So, check the labels on the clothes to make sure they can be washed in water. Otherwise, you will have to put extra effort into its maintenance.
- Some rayon blended fabrics do not need to be hand washed or dry washed. If you prefer machine washable clothes, look for clothes made of a combination of rayon and a stronger fabric, such as cotton.
- Be careful when washing because of the fragile nature of rayon. Rayon fabrics can even dissolve during washing. So, you should pay attention to this.
Step 2. Dry the rayon garment
One of the easiest ways to care for rayon fabric is to dry it. Take your rayon clothes to a professional laundromat and let them know you need their help doing the rayon clothes.
Be aware that dry cleaning costs vary. To dry the shirt, you may only need between Rp. 20,000-Rp. 50,000. However, for blankets or thick fabrics, you may need to charge up to IDR 350,000
Step 3. Wash by hand
The label on the garment will suggest how to care for the rayon fabric. As a general rule, use a mild detergent and warm water.
- Fill the sink or basin with water slightly above room temperature. Pour in a special mild detergent for delicate fabrics.
- Soak the rayon cloth in a basin until it is completely wet. Then, gently twist the cloth around the basin by hand. Don't move too fast or too rough as this will splash the water.
- Twist the fabric for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the cloth from the basin and rinse with warm tap water until the foam is gone.
- Squeeze gently so that excess water comes out of the fabric. However, do not squeeze and twist the fabric too strongly.
Step 4. Machine wash
Only machine wash rayon when the care label advises it. Use a delicate wash cycle with medium to low water temperature.
Be aware that rayon fabric may shrivel or damage in the washing machine, especially if machine washing is not recommended on the label
Step 5. Dry the cloth
Dry the rayon knit garment flat. Use a sweater drying rack to hang rayon fabric, or place rayon clothes on a drying rack over several sticks at once. Meanwhile, woven rayon clothes can be hung to dry. Simply hang the clothes on the drying rack or use a clothes hanger (hanger).
- Avoid using a tumble dryer or any device that will spin the garment as this could damage or tear the rayon fabric.
- The knitted fabric will stretch in all directions. Meanwhile, the woven fabric will only stretch diagonally. Try pulling clothes slowly to both sides and diagonally to find out. If it stretches only diagonally, it means the clothes are made of woven fabric.
Method 2 of 3: Smooth the Wrinkles
Step 1. Iron the clothes on low heat
Use the low temperature option on the iron. Partially iron the garment and avoid tugging at the fabric while ironing it to keep the shape from changing.
- Turn the rayon garment inside out before ironing, as the side where the iron is ironed will look a little shiny.
- Do not use steam during ironing. Rayon will be brittle when wet. In addition, the moisture will make the rayon fabric more susceptible to damage when ironed.
Step 2. Use a protector during ironing
If you don't want your clothes to look shiny after ironing, try using a protective layer. Place a small towel on the surface you want to iron, then iron the layer.
- Only use a clean, heat-resistant protective layer, such as a cotton cloth. Some people recommend using aluminum foil, even though irons can heat up the foil and start a fire.
- Continue to use the iron on a low temperature. While it may take you longer to smooth the garment, increasing the temperature of the iron has the potential to damage the rayon fabric.
Step 3. Use a fabric softening spray
Sprays like these are available at most department stores and home supply stores. This spray is formulated for most types of fabric, and can help remove wrinkles on rayon fabrics without heat.
- To prevent the fibers from being stretched lengthwise, lay the rayon cloth flat to dry after spraying with this product.
- Always read the label on the spray package to make sure the product is safe to use on rayon fabrics.
Method 3 of 3: Hanging and Storing Rayon Fabric
Step 1. Hang the rayon clothes
If you have clothes made of rayon, save them by hanging them on a strong hanger that holds them tightly. Rayon does not wrinkle easily when hung properly. Preferably, rayon fabric is also stored vertically to prevent indentation on the surface.
Even if it must be folded, try folding the rayon garment following the seam. Also, don't put a lot of other clothes on it. In this way, bending of clothes due to pressure can be avoided
Step 2. Fold a large rayon object
For rayon items that are large enough, such as curtains or blankets, consider buying a large plastic storage container. So, these objects can be stored safely without pressure from other objects. Fold the blanket or curtain along the seam if possible.
Rolling up the rayon may add to the wrinkles, but it can prevent major indentations
Step 3. Discard the plastic bag
If you dry-clean rayon, you may end up with a protective plastic bag when you pick it up. Long-term exposure to this kind of plastic can cause rayon to turn yellow.
